As we enter the heart of winter, our December market report brings you the finest selection of seasonal produce from British farms, European specialists, and global producers. This month showcases an exceptional variety of winter vegetables and festive ingredients perfect for your December menus.
British Winter Highlights
The pride of British farming is on full display this month, with an outstanding selection of winter vegetables and heritage fruits. Our direct relationships with local farmers ensure you receive the freshest produce available.
Winter Vegetables in Focus
This month’s British vegetables offer a rich palette of flavors and textures:
Purple Sprouting Broccoli – perfectly timed for winter menus
Multiple Beetroot varieties including Red, Candy, Golden, and Long & White
Premium Cabbage selection featuring Black, Savoy, January King, and Spring Greens
Rainbow spectrum of carrots: Purple, Yellow, White & Red Sun, with specialty Baby Chantenay Orange & Rainbow varieties
Pink Fir – perfect for salads and their nutty flavor
Ratte – the chef’s choice for pure potato flavor, ideal for mashing and roasting
Yukon Gold – ideal for mashing and exceptional golden color
Russet Burbank – the ultimate roasting potato with perfect crispy exterior
Foraged Specialties (Pre-Order)
Get ahead by pre-ordering these sought-after items:
Sea Purslane – Succulent coastal herb with natural salinity
Sea Beet – Wild ancestor of beetroot with tender leaves
Alexander’s – Aromatic wild celery relative
Three Cornered Garlic/Wild Leeks – Delicate wild allium
Small Red Crab Apples – Perfect for preserves and jellies
Medlars – Traditional winter fruit, best after bletting
Rosehips – Vitamin C-rich winter berry
Douglas Fir – Aromatic evergreen tips
Scott’s Pine – Distinctive pine needle variety
Direct from Milan
Our Italian selection represents the finest Mediterranean winter produce:
Vegetables:
Premium Artichoke Tema – Tender Roman variety
Pale Round Aubergine – Delicate flavor and creamy texture
Fresh Cardoon – Traditional Italian winter vegetable
Roman and Trombetta Courgette – Sweet and firm texture
Fruit:
Seasonal Bergamot – Aromatic citrus, perfect for desserts
Cedro – Classic Italian citron
Leafy Clementines – Fresh with stems and leaves
Premium Citrus Selection – Including Cara Cara oranges and kumquats
Salad:
Castelfranco – Beautiful speckled Italian chicory
Grumolo – Small, tender winter leaves
Winter Tomatoes (Merinda, Camone) – Sweet and firm varieties
Cherry Vine varieties – Including Datterini red & yellow
Exotic and Global Specialties
Our worldwide selection brings you unique ingredients:
Fresh Lychees – Sweet and aromatic, perfect for desserts
Buddha’s Hand – Fragrant citrus for zesting and infusions
Seasonal Cranberries – Fresh and crisp for festive menus
Yuzu – Japanese citrus, prized for its unique aroma
Pomelo varieties – Including red, white and mixed colors
Kaffir Lime – Essential for Asian cuisine
Premium Mushroom Selection
Carefully sourced funghi for your winter menus:
Black Truffle – Intense aroma, perfect for luxury dishes
Cepes S.A – Classic porcini mushroom
Chanterelle – Golden wild mushrooms with fruity aroma
Pied de Mouton – Firm texture and mild flavor
Trompette – Dark trumpet mushrooms with intense flavor
Star Ingredient of the Month: Jerusalem Artichoke
December brings us exceptional Jerusalem Artichokes, a chef’s secret weapon for creating elegant winter dishes. These knobby tubers offer a sophisticated, nutty flavor that transforms into a silky texture when properly prepared.
Recipe of the Month: Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté with Wild Mushrooms
